Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu in collaboration with Department of Posts, India (J&K Circle) and INTACH (J&K Chapter) organized series of events to mark World Environment Day 2017. Prof R. D. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Sh. Sanjay Sharan, Chief Post Master General, Department of Posts(J&K Circle) and Dr. C.M. Seth, Former Chairman, SPCB were the Guests of Honour.

Programme started with inauguration of the ‘Philately Exhibition- a unique collection of stamps displayed by Department of Posts(J&K Circle) ’, by Prof. R.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu. Prof. Sharma, applauded the efforts made by the organizers in organizing such a unique event and congratulated them for introducing this new concept in the University which shall be very beneficial for the students at large, he added.

Prof. Anil K. Raina, Head, Department of Environmental Sciences, welcomed the august gathering and introduced the theme of the Environment Day 2017. He also highlighted various initiatives and achievements of the department in last one year along with various extension and outreach activities organized by the Department both within and outside the University. After welcome address, oral presentations were made by Ms. Pinki Manhas, Ms. Kulvinder Kaur, Mr. Karan Jamwal and Ms. Manisha Wazir, Research Scholars, Department of Environmental Sciences, JU on the theme “Connecting People to Nature”. The scholars highlighted how through their research work, they are connecting with the masses in general and nature in particular.

Mr. Sanjay Sharan, Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle in his address introduced the concept of Philately and drew attention of the august gathering to the importance of such exhibitions. He also discussed at length about the contributions made by the Department of Posts to the society.

Later, ‘Special cover on Environment’ and ‘My Stamps’ prepared by Department of Posts, India (J&K Circle) were released by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries on the dais.

Dr. C.M. Seth, in his address stressed upon the need of bringing positive changes in our attitudes if we really wish to conserve and protect environment. He also emphasized on the fact that J&K has large number of natural heritage sites which needs to be explored and protected. This cannot be done without the involvement and intervention of locals, he added.

Sh. S.M. Sahni, Convener INTACH(J&K Chapter) highlighted the role of their organization in Conservation of Built/Natural Heritage Sites of J&K. He made a special mention of collaboration of INTACH J&K Chapter with Department of Environmental Science, University of Jammu for inventorization and conservation of Natural heritage sites of Jammu. At the end, he proposed formal Vote of thanks.